Cost of Living: Stockton, CA vs Fontana, CA (2026)

Stockton

California
115
VS

Fontana

California
146

Stockton is 21% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,495/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 16%
$76,851/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 28%
$412,900 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 35%
$1,555/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 28%
320,470
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $21,336/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Fontana — common questions

Is Stockton or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Fontana?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Fontana?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $21,336/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Stockton or Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Stockton details → View Fontana details →

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